A female horse is called a mare. This term differentiates adult female horses from colts, which are young male horses, and fillies, which are young female horses. Mare typically refers to a horse that is at least three years old, though breed standards can vary. Mares are known for their nurturing behavior, especially when they have foals. In addition to their role in traditional riding and racing, mares are also important in the breeding industry. They have distinctive traits and can exhibit different temperaments and characteristics, influencing their suitability for specific equestrian disciplines.